Police release surveillance photo of Royal Oak bank robbery suspect

ROYAL OAK -- Police released a picture from a surveillance camera of an armed robber who held up Charter One Bank, 200 S. Main, on Tuesday, and is suspected in a prior crime also in the downtown.

The culprit matches the description of the crook who robbed PNC Bank, 225 S. Main, which is a block away, on Dec. 26, according to Lt. David Clemens.

At Charter One, a man wearing a black ski mask walked into the business armed with a handgun and demanded money from the teller. He was given an undisclosed amount of currency and fled on foot from the bank, which is at the southwest corner of Main and Second Street.

He was described as a black male with a medium complexion. He is about 5-feet-8 to 5-feet-11. He also was wearing a black winter hat, black winter jacket, tight-fitting stretch pants and athletic shoes.

The height, clothing and type of gun used by the crook match the description given by PNC bank employees three weeks prior. That holdup happened about 1:45 p.m. at the branch at Main and Third streets. The crook also apparently fled on foot after that robbery.

In that incident, the robber also was carrying a black bag. A snow storm was beginning and he was so bundled up in winter clothing that police said it was unknown whether he was black or white.

On Tuesday, the crook's eyes and nose could be seen. Anyone with information for Royal Oak police should call 248-246-3500.